Community rallies together to rebuild home for McBride family

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

On the south side of Lovers Lane in Three Rivers, in what looks like just another house, is actually a testament to humanity.

Its inside has been gutted, the foundation for a rear addition is in place and the rebirth of a 50-year-old house is taking shape.

The work is being done by volunteers. Some of the laborers don’t even know the three-person family due to move in next month. Others are exceptionally close to Monica McBride and her children, 17-year-old Chandler and 10-year-old Sarah.

When it is complete and the McBrides move in, the house at 17127 Lovers Lane will stand as tribute to a community that reached out its hand and made a difference in the life of a family facing its share of hardship.

“It amazes me. I don’t know how else to put it,” said Sandy McBride, whose daughter and two grandchildren are due to move in to the house Nov. 1. “The community of Three Rivers just amazes me.”

The tragic event that forever changed life for Chandler McBride and his family has been well documented. It was a week after school got out and the popular and well-like McBride, who had just ended his junior year at Three Rivers High School, was with some friends at a buddy’s backyard pool.

It hasn’t been clarified if McBride either misjudged the depth of the pool or he just wasn’t cognizant of his position adjacent to the shallow end. Either way, McBride dove in and in an instant, his neck was broken and he had severed his spinal cord, rendering him paralyzed.

An athletic young man who had played football since middle school and was a standout member of the Three Rivers High School track team, McBride suddenly found himself at the mercy of doctors. The prospect of starting at tight end and defensive end suddenly seemed inconsequential.

From that life-changing moment, a biblical verse from the book of Joshua would become a source of inspiration as the 6-foot, 190-pound young man spent a frightening first few days at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He would be transferred two weeks later to Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.

“Be strong and be courageous; it was right there in the bible,” Sandy McBride said. “We never had to worry about Chandler being strong and courageous because that’s who he is to the core — there are times when those of us who love Chandler think that passage is actually meant for us.”

Page 2 of 3 - McBride is starting to feel movement in a few parts of his body. Doctors in Ann Arbor have worked extensively with him and arrangements for a steady core of occupational therapy sessions lie ahead.

In the meantime, a dedicated team of volunteers continue their labor on Lovers Lane. The McBrides previously lived on a third-floor apartment unit, so there was no question a new residence was in order.

Teresa Haifley, a friend of the family who is also in charge of the interior decorating of the McBride’s new house, said as word spread about McBride’s need for a handicap-accessible everything at the new residence, the community stepped up.

“Through Facebook, emails and word of mouth, there was an effort formed to get Chandler and his family into a house that could accommodate him in a wheelchair,” she said.

Furthermore, McBride will be partnered with a service dog upon his release, so an addition to the family was a factor.

Despite struggles of her own with multiple sclerosis, Monica McBride was able to purchase the small house on the city’s north side.

Led by local builder Bruce Muehlberger, a well-known supporter of Three Rivers High School athletics, a group of skilled tradesmen has banded to modify the house into a handicap-accessible residence.

Haifley said an addition at the rear of the house will be built to support McBride’s mobility in a wheelchair. A bathroom is being converted and the entire house has been gutted and is being rebuilt from the inside out.

“We’re calling it ‘Extreme Makeover: Chandler McBride Edition’ because it’s kind of a quick job and like they do on the TV show, we‘d like to have a little ceremony in the front yard when he comes home from the hospital,” Haifley said.

Both Haifley and Sandy McBride said the most notable matter right now is that McBride is recovering to the point that he will soon be returning home. But the manner in which a community has responded to the needs of a well-liked and intelligent young man and his family cannot be overlooked.

Sandy McBride said the outpouring of support has left an impact on her and her daughter.

“When Monica and I talk about the house, all the volunteer labor and so many donations from so many businesses, we just break down and cry,” she said. “Monica says she will never know how to thank everyone and I just tell her to be strong and be courageous.”

The outlook for McBride was grim initially. Sandy McBride said she has no doubt that with her grandson’s resolve, she wouldn’t be surprised to one day see him back on his feet. But she is also realistic in recognizing that could come only after years of physical therapy.

Page 3 of 3 - In the meantime, McBride will be returning to school in November, he will graduate in June and he still plans to attend WMU in the fall.

First, though, the McBride family will attempt to acknowledge everyone who has played a part in the remodeling project, the fundraisers and words of support and encouragement. Sandy McBride said it won’t be easy.

“The city of Three Rivers in the past has shown it has so many good people with good hearts, and it showed that again,” she said, pausing to compose herself. “I don’t even think there are words to describe our gratitude.”

Applebee’s restaurants in Sturgis, Three Rivers and the South Westnedge location in Portage will stage a “Dine to Donate” event all day Tuesday next week.

Ten percent of all proceeds for dine-in and take-out orders will be donated to a fund established for Chandler McBride. A flyer must be presented and may be obtained by emailing dtdchandlermcbride@gmail.com.

A Facebook page in support of McBride has been created and includes a link to PayPal for anyone wishing to make a donation.

All other inquiries about McBride may be sent to: chandlerbenefit@yahoo.com.